CountyScore

Dickenson County

Virginia · VA

#11 in Virginia
75.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Dickenson County, Virginia

Dickenson County ranks in top livability tier

Dickenson's composite score of 79.0 towers over the national median of 50.0, positioning it among the most livable counties nationwide. This 58% advantage makes it one of Virginia's strongest performers in the CountyScore index.

Among Virginia's best-scoring counties

Dickenson ranks comfortably above the state average of 70.3, securing a top-tier position among Virginia's cities and counties. The county's 79.0 score reflects particularly strong fundamentals in taxation and housing costs.

Unbeatable affordability and tax relief

Dickenson County leads with a cost score of 88.7 and tax score of 88.3, backed by the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.497% and median rent of just $733/month. Median home values of $101,100 make it one of Virginia's most affordable places to establish roots.

Income growth lags regional standards

The income score of 12.0 reflects a median household income of $43,831, indicating limited access to higher-wage careers in the area. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available but will provide fuller context in future assessments.

Perfect for frugal, independent families

Dickenson County excels for self-sufficient families, remote workers, and retirees who value ultra-low living costs and minimal tax burden over job market opportunities. It's Virginia's best choice for those seeking maximum purchasing power on modest incomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.3Cost88.7SafetyComing SoonHealth63.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome12Risk82.1WaterComing Soon
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dickenson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Dallas County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $44,694
Perry County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $60,078
Nemaha County
Kansas
75.4
Median income: $77,375
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
75.4
Median income: $43,345
Grant County
Minnesota
75.4
Median income: $72,957

Deep Dives

Dickenson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dickenson County

via TaxByCounty

Dickenson offers some of Virginia's lowest rates

Dickenson County's effective tax rate of 0.497% ranks among the lowest in the nation, putting it in roughly the 5th percentile. The median annual tax of $503 is just 19% of the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

Lowest property tax rate in Virginia

Dickenson County's 0.497% rate is significantly below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, positioning it as one of the state's most tax-friendly jurisdictions. With a median home value of $101,100 and median tax of $503, the county offers the lowest property tax burden among Virginia's measured communities.

Beats all nearby counties on taxes

Dickenson County's 0.497% rate decisively undercuts Danville city (0.674%), Dinwiddie County (0.601%), and Emporia city (0.755%). The combination of a low rate and low home values means Dickenson residents enjoy the region's smallest tax bills.

What a typical home costs in taxes

A median-priced home valued at $101,100 in Dickenson County carries an annual tax bill of roughly $503. That translates to about $42 per month, making it among the most affordable property tax burdens in Virginia.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

Even in low-tax Dickenson County, property owners should verify their home's assessed value—overassessments do occur. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your $503 annual bill if your home is valued above market rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dickenson County

via CostByCounty

Dickenson's rent burden exceeds national norm

Dickenson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% surpasses the national standard of 18.6%, though the gap is modest compared to many struggling communities. Median household income of $43,831 trails the nation by 41%, while median rent of $733 represents exceptional value in absolute terms. The county demonstrates how even below-average rents can strain below-average incomes.

Among Virginia's most affordable options

Dickenson County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks better than state average of 18.6%—a rare bright spot in rural southwestern Virginia. The $733 median rent is 36% cheaper than Virginia's statewide median of $1,140, though local wages are proportionally lower. This county punches above its weight on affordability, partly due to its lower cost of living anchored by modest rents and home prices.

Dickenson leads the affordability compact

Among the region's economically similar counties, Dickenson boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 20.1%, slightly better than Danville's 22.7%. Rents here ($733) undercut even Danville's ($808), and at $101,100, median home values are the lowest in this peer group. Dickenson emerges as the most affordable for renters and owners with fixed or modest incomes.

Homeownership surprisingly affordable

Dickenson renters pay $733 monthly (20.1% of income), but homeowners enjoy even better economics with median monthly costs of just $433, consuming only 11.9% of household income. The median home value of $101,100 suggests strong equity-building potential for buyers with access to mortgages. For income-constrained households, homeownership here offers a clear affordability advantage over renting.

Ideal for budget-conscious homebuyers

Dickenson County offers Virginia's lowest homeownership costs, with sub-$110k median values and monthly costs under $433—a rarity in today's market. Renters seeking the lowest possible monthly housing costs will also find relief here at $733. The tradeoff is limited job diversity and lower regional wages, making this ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those relocating for specific local employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dickenson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dickenson County trails national income standards

Dickenson County's median household income of $43,831 falls 41% short of the national median of $74,755. This gap underscores economic pressures facing rural and transitioning communities nationwide.

Among Virginia's most economically challenged counties

Dickenson County ranks near the state's lowest tier with a median income nearly $31,000 below Virginia's state average of $74,957. Per capita income of $26,070 also significantly underperforms the state's $39,155 average.

Dickenson and Danville share similar income struggles

Dickenson County's $43,831 median income closely mirrors Danville city's $42,778, placing both among the region's lowest-earning jurisdictions. Wealthier areas like Dinwiddie County ($83,898) show the stark disparities within Virginia.

Affordable housing supports financial stability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% and median home values around $101,100, Dickenson County offers relatively affordable housing options. This affordability provides households breathing room to invest in savings and future security.

Start small with consistent financial planning

Building wealth doesn't require large lump sums—automated monthly transfers to savings or investment accounts create discipline. Local credit unions and community banks often offer tailored financial planning services designed for working families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dickenson County

via HealthByCounty

Rural county lags national health benchmarks

Dickenson County residents average 71.9 years—4.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just over one-fifth of the population (22.2%) reports poor or fair health, slightly better than the national 18% but indicating persistent health challenges.

Below-average health ranking within state

Dickenson's life expectancy of 71.9 years trails Virginia's 75.1-year average by 3.2 years, positioning it in the lower half of state health outcomes. The county's poor/fair health rate of 22.2% exceeds the state median, reflecting rural health burdens.

Healthier than some Appalachian peers

Dickenson's 71.9-year life expectancy exceeds Danville city (68.3 years) and Emporia city (66.8 years), but trails Dinwiddie County (74.7 years). The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate positions it in the middle of its regional cohort.

Provider shortage creates access barriers

Dickenson has only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—80% below state levels—forcing residents to travel for routine care. With 8.5% uninsured and just 88 mental health providers per 100,000, healthcare access remains significantly constrained.

Insurance enrollment opens doors to care

More than one in ten Dickenson County residents lack health coverage, limiting access to preventive care and specialist services. Explore Virginia's health insurance marketplace or reach out to a county health department to find affordable coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dickenson County

via RiskByCounty

Dickenson County is exceptionally safe

Dickenson's composite risk score of 17.94 ranks in the very low category, well below the national average and indicating minimal overall disaster vulnerability. However, the county does face one notable exception: wildfire risk of 83.27, which represents a concentrated threat requiring targeted preparedness.

Among Virginia's safest communities

Dickenson's score of 17.94 is less than half the Virginia state average of 33.27, placing it in the lower tier of risk statewide. The county's low exposure across most hazard categories makes it one of the commonwealth's more resilient areas overall.

Wildfire risk sets Dickenson apart

Dickenson's composite score of 17.94 aligns with nearby Dinwiddie County (19.34), but its wildfire risk of 83.27 far exceeds that county's 21.88. This elevated wildfire exposure reflects Dickenson's forested terrain and mountain location in southwestern Virginia.

Wildfire dominates Dickenson's risk profile

Wildfire risk of 83.27 is Dickenson's primary natural disaster threat, dwarfing all other hazards in the county. Tornado risk (8.43) and earthquake risk (35.97) present minimal concerns, while flood and hurricane risks remain low at 37.56 and 42.05 respectively.

Prepare now for wildfire season

Dickenson residents should focus on defensible space around homes—clearing dead vegetation and maintaining 30+ feet of cleared brush from structures. Work with local fire departments on evacuation planning and ensure you have a go-bag ready during high-fire-danger months.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.